The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by "keeping the lights on" 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

Under general direction of the Manager, the Lead Engineering Specialist is responsible for analysis of the market performance and efficiency. Assess and analyze the impacts of existing and planned market design and policy changes. Performs detailed economic and engineering evaluations including pricing, adequacy and competition studies, and detailed engineering review of optimization and market-clearing algorithms.

What's In it for You

Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Make a difference and impact millions of people who depend on electricity in their everyday lives.

• You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
• You will work in an extremely collaborative environment inside our LEED certified Folsom, California campus.
• You will be challenged, be a part of a winning team, and your contributions will be rewarded and recognized.

What You Will Be Doing

• Leads and performs detailed economic and engineering analysis of existing and future market design and policy. Responsible for analyzing market results to ensure pricing and market outcomes are consistent with economic principles and current market design.
• Assesses market problems and decides on the analytical approach necessary to estimate the market impact of the problem. Uses economic and engineering models to market impacts and presents results in detailed reports subject to industry, regulatory and/or senior management.
• Provides technical and analytical leadership to the ISO and may provide expert witness testimony on subject matter.
• Provides economic analysis for evaluation of resource parameters used in the CAISO markets.
• Develop methods, reports and automation of analysis where appropriate to streamline the tracking of important market indices and metrics.
• Provides guidance, sets daily work assignment priorities for junior staff as needed. Identifies needs and mentors, coaches and trains staff to optimize the team. Provides feedback to management regarding staff performance in support of the performance evaluation process. May participate in department hiring activities such as interviewing and providing feedback on candidates technical qualifications

• May function as a Department Manager and is accountable to Manager for actions taken in Manager's absence. May be granted additional supervisory authority based on department needs and/or consistent with departmental succession planning.

Level of Education and Discipline

• A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering, Economics, Operations Research or related field. Master’s or Ph.D. degree is highly preferred.

Amount of Experience

• Equivalent years of education and training, plus six (6) or more years of experience

Type of Experience

• Experience required in a combination of the following: 
  • utility/power industry or regulatory, preferably in a similar ISO
  • econometrics and statistical analysis 
  • regulatory, economic analysis, and data analysis experience. 
• Experience with economics, market design, finance, or programming concepts desirable.  
• Experience with advanced power system operations and principles, optimization techniques, or network modeling is desirable.  
• Experience leading large analytical or economic projects involving various groups of specialists. 
• Experience with big data, programming or analysis of fuel markets is desirable.

Additional skills and abilities

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems in the electric utility industry and ability to identify solutions to complex engineering or economic problems. 
• Strong quantitative skills with an emphasis on statistical analysis. 
• Ability to manipulate and analyze large data sets. 
• Strong communication and writing skills are required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical materials and concepts in a non-technical manner.
• Demonstrates fundamental management and leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment as a leader, facilitator and team member. 
• Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required. 
• Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work independently. 
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.